King Island Tribal Council Proposes Partnership with Nome Public Schools

NOME, Alaska — As this school year winds down, the Board of Education for Nome Public Schools is looking ahead to next year. At a regular meeting Tuesday night, the school board approved the purchase of a new literacy program for Nome Elementary School as well as new social studies textbooks for Nome-Beltz Jr/Sr High School.

The board also heard a new proposal during public comments. Megan Alvanna-Stimpfle — the Vice Chief of the King Island Tribal Council — asked the school district to partner with the council and apply for a grant from the Alaska Native Education Program.

She said the funding would provide students with an afterschool activity focused on Iñupiaq culture and language. In the longer term, she said the council wants to work toward an even larger language program, like an immersion school within the district.

“We have this opportunity to save a language and time is of essence for us to collectively act,” she said. “We’re ready to be partners because we can’t afford to not act.”

Superintendent Shawn Arnold said he’ll arrange a meeting between district officials and the King Island Tribal Council to discuss the partnership further.

The school board is scheduled to meet again on May 24. Their work session will focus on budget amendments for fiscal year 2016.